Meet Our Graduate Students

As an ESL and TESOL educator, my mission is to empower diverse learners on their language acquisition journey. I firmly believe in the transformative power of language, and I am committed to fostering an environment where students from various backgrounds and proficiency levels thrive. My teaching philosophy revolves around student-centered and interactive learning. I leverage innovative approaches to enhance language skills across all domains, with a focus on real-world applications. Whether you're a beginner navigating English for the first time or an advanced learner refining your communication skills, my goal is to provide a supportive and enriching educational experience.

I am passionate about advancing research in theoretical linguistics, particularly in areas focusing on phonetics and phonology. I presently work with the Yoruba language and its dialects, with a keen openness to exploring other languages; my current research thesis focuses on how nasals behave in the Yoruba-Ijebu Dialect. Additionally, I work as a Research Assistant on an NSF grant for the research project, 'The Causal Structure of Intervocalic  Lenition' (FAIN 2234368 - PD98-1311 Linguistics). Beyond Academia, I channel my enthusiasm for languages into creating engaging video content on my YouTube channel, 'LangVlog with Khadijat,' where I showcase the beauty, uniqueness, and pertinent issues surrounding languages.

Maria Serrano is a dedicated graduate student currently pursuing a Master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) at the University of West Virginia. Hailing from La Universidad de Valladolid, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in Translation and Interpreting.   Maria's academic journey has evolved to include a keen interest in the intersection of languages and artificial intelligence. She is actively exploring the dynamic ways in which language learning and technology intersect, aiming to bridge traditional pedagogical approaches with cutting-edge advancements in artificial intelligence.  Maria's academic and research endeavors reflect her dedication to becoming a well-rounded and forward-thinking educator, aspiring to contribute meaningfully to the field of TESOL and language education.

After I completed the practicum in the ALLEX program, where I gained fundamental Japanese pedagogy skills, I started working as a Japanese teaching assistant at West Virginia University August in 2023.

 Spanish instructor in the Spanish Language Program of the World Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics Department at WVU.

CV of Mariela Zayas (PDF)

 I am currently a driven graduate student at West Virginia University, where I am pursuing a master’s degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). My academic journey began at the same university, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in English and minored in Communications and Foreign Literature. I also pursued an area of emphasis in Creative Writing.

My interest in exploring new cultures has led me to valuable experiences, including teaching English in Shanghai, China, and studying Spanish in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. My teaching philosophy revolves around the idea that immersion is the most effective method for language acquisition. This philosophy aligns with my teaching practices as a Teaching Assistant at the Intensive English Program at my university. I teach English language skills to international students, such as reading, writing, vocabulary, and communication skills. My teaching approach centers around creating a positive and enriching environment for my students.